The smile is back on the young Irishman’s face after playing in three of the last four games.

With James Meredith facing up to six more weeks out with a broken foot, McHugh has the opportunity to keep that run going.

Left back may not be his preferred position but he will throw himself whole-heartedly into the job, showing the spirit and determination that have been his watchwords since breaking into the picture last term.

Gone are the self doubts from earlier in the season – and that is where John Muranka has worked wonders.

The Cleckheaton-based sports psychologist is a popular stop-off with City players. James Hanson and Luke Oliver have both credited him with reviving the mental side of their game.

Now you can add McHugh to that list for guiding him through a tough spell when he could not get a kick for the first team.

The defender said: “He’s helped me a lot because I was getting really frustrated. I’ve been working with him for the last few months and it’s made a massive difference.

“What he’s done is make sure I go into games in a good state. It suits me better when I’m calm and composed.

“Before that, I was trying too hard in training or in practice games. I was just forcing it and that’s not me. I’d just make mistakes and give fouls away and get in wrong positions.

“It’s been the longest period in my career when I haven’t really played. Last season, I started getting in the team around October and when I was younger I’ve always played.

“You miss playing football so much. It’s such a simple thing but it’s what you love doing.”

Phil Parkinson knows exactly what he gets from McHugh. As the manager put it in the wake of the Bristol City draw – “Carlo’s got a heart the size of a dustbin lid”.

With no Meredith, Bristol City concentrated their attacking efforts down McHugh’s flank and he can expect more of the same at Bramall Lane tomorrow. But the youngster is up to the challenge.

“I’ve waited ages to get my chance and it’s great to be back out on the pitch,” he said. “Mez has been one of the main players for the last 18 months, so it’s a massive blow. But I’ll give it my best and hopefully I can kick on and get a few more appearances.

“It toughens you up being out of the team and makes you more grateful when you do get the opportunity again. Training only does so much for you. Every footballer wants to be playing in that game on a Saturday.

“It was the same when I was eight or nine and that hasn’t changed now. But the staff have been good, encouraging me to keep working hard so that I’m ready when called upon.

“It’s been a positive few weeks for me and I keep telling myself that there are a lot of games left. There is plenty to play for.

“We’ve had a bad run but we’re still in a decent position even after that. We just need to kick on everyone together.

“We’ve been unlucky in some games when we should have won. Once we get that first win, hopefully that will start us going again.”

Comments

i miss stallard & murray
8:11am Fri 17 Jan 14

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.i miss stallard & murray

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

Score: -4

Michael Clayton
8:26am Fri 17 Jan 14

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.

[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.[/p][/quote]The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.Michael Clayton

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.

Score: 5

gman27
8:28am Fri 17 Jan 14

Love this guys attitude.
.
The night in the Irish Bar in Birmingham after the Villa win will live long int he memory!
.
We all dream of a team of Carl Mchughs...at number1 is Carl Mchugh number 2 is Carl Mchugh..............
..

Love this guys attitude.
.
The night in the Irish Bar in Birmingham after the Villa win will live long int he memory!
.
We all dream of a team of Carl Mchughs...at number1 is Carl Mchugh number 2 is Carl Mchugh..............
..gman27

Love this guys attitude.
.
The night in the Irish Bar in Birmingham after the Villa win will live long int he memory!
.
We all dream of a team of Carl Mchughs...at number1 is Carl Mchugh number 2 is Carl Mchugh..............
..

Score: 7

dannbradfc
9:01am Fri 17 Jan 14

Michael Clayton wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.

Theres no point in offering opnion then is there? even you? If your glib answer is to follow this line of thinking. managers are not infalible. They make mistakes. Sometimes hughe one's. They have favourite players. They can be stubborn. They can be tactically naive. etc etc etc etc Of course they are in their position due to their experience and involvement with the game. This sghould not stop others having an opinion. Its one of the reasons we watch the game. To resort to the answer that the manager always knows best leaves no room for debate at all........

[quote][p][bold]Michael Clayton[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.[/p][/quote]The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.[/p][/quote]Theres no point in offering opnion then is there? even you? If your glib answer is to follow this line of thinking. managers are not infalible. They make mistakes. Sometimes hughe one's. They have favourite players. They can be stubborn. They can be tactically naive. etc etc etc etc Of course they are in their position due to their experience and involvement with the game. This sghould not stop others having an opinion. Its one of the reasons we watch the game. To resort to the answer that the manager always knows best leaves no room for debate at all........dannbradfc

Michael Clayton wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.

Theres no point in offering opnion then is there? even you? If your glib answer is to follow this line of thinking. managers are not infalible. They make mistakes. Sometimes hughe one's. They have favourite players. They can be stubborn. They can be tactically naive. etc etc etc etc Of course they are in their position due to their experience and involvement with the game. This sghould not stop others having an opinion. Its one of the reasons we watch the game. To resort to the answer that the manager always knows best leaves no room for debate at all........

Score: 4

Prisoner Cell Block A
9:35am Fri 17 Jan 14

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

I think that with his season's game time and an extended contract we will see an improved Bates, not that I think he has been that bad, he has tended to back off but that is due to good coaching at a higher level where the 'jockeying' gives time for team mates to get back in and cover and not the head gone dive in which is so frowned upon.

Carl is an able full back, no, an able footballer and can do a very good job in either of the positions he plays, he is still young and learning but all the basic abilities are there for him to progress and have a great future in the game.

[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.[/p][/quote]I think that with his season's game time and an extended contract we will see an improved Bates, not that I think he has been that bad, he has tended to back off but that is due to good coaching at a higher level where the 'jockeying' gives time for team mates to get back in and cover and not the head gone dive in which is so frowned upon.
Carl is an able full back, no, an able footballer and can do a very good job in either of the positions he plays, he is still young and learning but all the basic abilities are there for him to progress and have a great future in the game.Prisoner Cell Block A

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

I think that with his season's game time and an extended contract we will see an improved Bates, not that I think he has been that bad, he has tended to back off but that is due to good coaching at a higher level where the 'jockeying' gives time for team mates to get back in and cover and not the head gone dive in which is so frowned upon.

Carl is an able full back, no, an able footballer and can do a very good job in either of the positions he plays, he is still young and learning but all the basic abilities are there for him to progress and have a great future in the game.

Score: 5

i miss stallard & murray
10:03am Fri 17 Jan 14

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

I think that with his season's game time and an extended contract we will see an improved Bates, not that I think he has been that bad, he has tended to back off but that is due to good coaching at a higher level where the 'jockeying' gives time for team mates to get back in and cover and not the head gone dive in which is so frowned upon.

Carl is an able full back, no, an able footballer and can do a very good job in either of the positions he plays, he is still young and learning but all the basic abilities are there for him to progress and have a great future in the game.

I feel mchugh has a great future in football I want this to be with bcfc ad he could potentially drive us to be successful or like wells make a profit for the club. I also hope I am proved wrong about bates in the long term but so far he has halted the progress of mchugh who cud av had an additional 13 games at can at a higher level than l2.
Regarding jockeying Davies mcardle Darby all jockey but they get closer and get blocks in. I am sorry I do not like slating players but I feel nervous and scared wen bates is in the team on the ball and wen someone is running at him. Please prove me wrong mr bates and av a brilliant second part of the season

[quote][p][bold]Prisoner Cell Block A[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.[/p][/quote]I think that with his season's game time and an extended contract we will see an improved Bates, not that I think he has been that bad, he has tended to back off but that is due to good coaching at a higher level where the 'jockeying' gives time for team mates to get back in and cover and not the head gone dive in which is so frowned upon.
Carl is an able full back, no, an able footballer and can do a very good job in either of the positions he plays, he is still young and learning but all the basic abilities are there for him to progress and have a great future in the game.[/p][/quote]I feel mchugh has a great future in football I want this to be with bcfc ad he could potentially drive us to be successful or like wells make a profit for the club. I also hope I am proved wrong about bates in the long term but so far he has halted the progress of mchugh who cud av had an additional 13 games at can at a higher level than l2.
Regarding jockeying Davies mcardle Darby all jockey but they get closer and get blocks in. I am sorry I do not like slating players but I feel nervous and scared wen bates is in the team on the ball and wen someone is running at him. Please prove me wrong mr bates and av a brilliant second part of the seasoni miss stallard & murray

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

I think that with his season's game time and an extended contract we will see an improved Bates, not that I think he has been that bad, he has tended to back off but that is due to good coaching at a higher level where the 'jockeying' gives time for team mates to get back in and cover and not the head gone dive in which is so frowned upon.

Carl is an able full back, no, an able footballer and can do a very good job in either of the positions he plays, he is still young and learning but all the basic abilities are there for him to progress and have a great future in the game.

I feel mchugh has a great future in football I want this to be with bcfc ad he could potentially drive us to be successful or like wells make a profit for the club. I also hope I am proved wrong about bates in the long term but so far he has halted the progress of mchugh who cud av had an additional 13 games at can at a higher level than l2.
Regarding jockeying Davies mcardle Darby all jockey but they get closer and get blocks in. I am sorry I do not like slating players but I feel nervous and scared wen bates is in the team on the ball and wen someone is running at him. Please prove me wrong mr bates and av a brilliant second part of the season

Score: 6

Prisoner Cell Block A
11:33am Fri 17 Jan 14

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

I think that with his season's game time and an extended contract we will see an improved Bates, not that I think he has been that bad, he has tended to back off but that is due to good coaching at a higher level where the 'jockeying' gives time for team mates to get back in and cover and not the head gone dive in which is so frowned upon.

Carl is an able full back, no, an able footballer and can do a very good job in either of the positions he plays, he is still young and learning but all the basic abilities are there for him to progress and have a great future in the game.

I feel mchugh has a great future in football I want this to be with bcfc ad he could potentially drive us to be successful or like wells make a profit for the club. I also hope I am proved wrong about bates in the long term but so far he has halted the progress of mchugh who cud av had an additional 13 games at can at a higher level than l2.
Regarding jockeying Davies mcardle Darby all jockey but they get closer and get blocks in. I am sorry I do not like slating players but I feel nervous and scared wen bates is in the team on the ball and wen someone is running at him. Please prove me wrong mr bates and av a brilliant second part of the season

I think they do jockey but the difference is when they do it, players like Bates and Davies get in behind and add an extra level of protection, when Bates and Davies jockey the 'lesser' players tend not to add the same cover.

Anyway, we all wan the best and I do appreciate what you say and what we actually have seen, it does look like things could be done differently but maybe then the goals against would have been slightly different.

[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Prisoner Cell Block A[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.[/p][/quote]I think that with his season's game time and an extended contract we will see an improved Bates, not that I think he has been that bad, he has tended to back off but that is due to good coaching at a higher level where the 'jockeying' gives time for team mates to get back in and cover and not the head gone dive in which is so frowned upon.
Carl is an able full back, no, an able footballer and can do a very good job in either of the positions he plays, he is still young and learning but all the basic abilities are there for him to progress and have a great future in the game.[/p][/quote]I feel mchugh has a great future in football I want this to be with bcfc ad he could potentially drive us to be successful or like wells make a profit for the club. I also hope I am proved wrong about bates in the long term but so far he has halted the progress of mchugh who cud av had an additional 13 games at can at a higher level than l2.
Regarding jockeying Davies mcardle Darby all jockey but they get closer and get blocks in. I am sorry I do not like slating players but I feel nervous and scared wen bates is in the team on the ball and wen someone is running at him. Please prove me wrong mr bates and av a brilliant second part of the season[/p][/quote]I think they do jockey but the difference is when they do it, players like Bates and Davies get in behind and add an extra level of protection, when Bates and Davies jockey the 'lesser' players tend not to add the same cover.
Anyway, we all wan the best and I do appreciate what you say and what we actually have seen, it does look like things could be done differently but maybe then the goals against would have been slightly different.Prisoner Cell Block A

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

I think that with his season's game time and an extended contract we will see an improved Bates, not that I think he has been that bad, he has tended to back off but that is due to good coaching at a higher level where the 'jockeying' gives time for team mates to get back in and cover and not the head gone dive in which is so frowned upon.

Carl is an able full back, no, an able footballer and can do a very good job in either of the positions he plays, he is still young and learning but all the basic abilities are there for him to progress and have a great future in the game.

I feel mchugh has a great future in football I want this to be with bcfc ad he could potentially drive us to be successful or like wells make a profit for the club. I also hope I am proved wrong about bates in the long term but so far he has halted the progress of mchugh who cud av had an additional 13 games at can at a higher level than l2.
Regarding jockeying Davies mcardle Darby all jockey but they get closer and get blocks in. I am sorry I do not like slating players but I feel nervous and scared wen bates is in the team on the ball and wen someone is running at him. Please prove me wrong mr bates and av a brilliant second part of the season

I think they do jockey but the difference is when they do it, players like Bates and Davies get in behind and add an extra level of protection, when Bates and Davies jockey the 'lesser' players tend not to add the same cover.

Anyway, we all wan the best and I do appreciate what you say and what we actually have seen, it does look like things could be done differently but maybe then the goals against would have been slightly different.

Score: 1

bcfc1903
1:15pm Fri 17 Jan 14

Carl's got a great future in the game, you can't coach heart into a player you either have it or you don't and he has a **** load of that particular commodity. Good luck for tomorrows game and the rest of the season fella!!!!

Carl's got a great future in the game, you can't coach heart into a player you either have it or you don't and he has a **** load of that particular commodity. Good luck for tomorrows game and the rest of the season fella!!!!bcfc1903

Carl's got a great future in the game, you can't coach heart into a player you either have it or you don't and he has a **** load of that particular commodity. Good luck for tomorrows game and the rest of the season fella!!!!

Score: 5

Waynus1971
1:45pm Fri 17 Jan 14

How old is McHugh? Will he still be under 23 at the end of his contract? If so, we surely will win-win. All we need to do is offer a new contract on equal or better terms and he will either sign or we get compensation. That's right isn't it?

Personally, I hope he stays and becomes the focal point of our centre-back partnership for years to come. I think he showed last season how good he can be and he will only get better for playing alongside the likes of Bates and/or Davies.

Bates is coming in for some stick on here and elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't pulled up trees (in my opinion) and I wouldn't have been upset had he left the club this week, but he isn't as bad as some are making out. McArdle was fantastic last season, but has largely disappointed this time around, especially since being left on his ar5e twice by the Coventry strikers.

Good luck to the boys tomorrow, whoever gets the nod. I'm hoping for 2 of the 3 recent sigings to start.

How old is McHugh? Will he still be under 23 at the end of his contract? If so, we surely will win-win. All we need to do is offer a new contract on equal or better terms and he will either sign or we get compensation. That's right isn't it?
Personally, I hope he stays and becomes the focal point of our centre-back partnership for years to come. I think he showed last season how good he can be and he will only get better for playing alongside the likes of Bates and/or Davies.
Bates is coming in for some stick on here and elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't pulled up trees (in my opinion) and I wouldn't have been upset had he left the club this week, but he isn't as bad as some are making out. McArdle was fantastic last season, but has largely disappointed this time around, especially since being left on his ar5e twice by the Coventry strikers.
Good luck to the boys tomorrow, whoever gets the nod. I'm hoping for 2 of the 3 recent sigings to start.Waynus1971

How old is McHugh? Will he still be under 23 at the end of his contract? If so, we surely will win-win. All we need to do is offer a new contract on equal or better terms and he will either sign or we get compensation. That's right isn't it?

Personally, I hope he stays and becomes the focal point of our centre-back partnership for years to come. I think he showed last season how good he can be and he will only get better for playing alongside the likes of Bates and/or Davies.

Bates is coming in for some stick on here and elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't pulled up trees (in my opinion) and I wouldn't have been upset had he left the club this week, but he isn't as bad as some are making out. McArdle was fantastic last season, but has largely disappointed this time around, especially since being left on his ar5e twice by the Coventry strikers.

Good luck to the boys tomorrow, whoever gets the nod. I'm hoping for 2 of the 3 recent sigings to start.

Score: 3

Peter300
3:06pm Fri 17 Jan 14

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

City have good defensive record. Check it out.

[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.[/p][/quote]City have good defensive record. Check it out.Peter300

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

City have good defensive record. Check it out.

Score: 1

Peter300
3:08pm Fri 17 Jan 14

Michael Clayton wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.

A manager can only pick eleven players, so there is always going to be disappointment. People always focus on who's not in the team.

[quote][p][bold]Michael Clayton[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.[/p][/quote]The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.[/p][/quote]A manager can only pick eleven players, so there is always going to be disappointment. People always focus on who's not in the team.Peter300

Michael Clayton wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.

A manager can only pick eleven players, so there is always going to be disappointment. People always focus on who's not in the team.

Score: 0

Peter300
3:13pm Fri 17 Jan 14

dannbradfc wrote…

Michael Clayton wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.

Theres no point in offering opnion then is there? even you? If your glib answer is to follow this line of thinking. managers are not infalible. They make mistakes. Sometimes hughe one's. They have favourite players. They can be stubborn. They can be tactically naive. etc etc etc etc Of course they are in their position due to their experience and involvement with the game. This sghould not stop others having an opinion. Its one of the reasons we watch the game. To resort to the answer that the manager always knows best leaves no room for debate at all........

Yes, but there is more chance of you being infallible and tactically naive than any manager. It is the value and reasoning of the opinion which lets many fans down. Anyway, who is Hugh? You don't mean Hughie do you? That Hughe? OK got you.

[quote][p][bold]dannbradfc[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Michael Clayton[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.[/p][/quote]The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.[/p][/quote]Theres no point in offering opnion then is there? even you? If your glib answer is to follow this line of thinking. managers are not infalible. They make mistakes. Sometimes hughe one's. They have favourite players. They can be stubborn. They can be tactically naive. etc etc etc etc Of course they are in their position due to their experience and involvement with the game. This sghould not stop others having an opinion. Its one of the reasons we watch the game. To resort to the answer that the manager always knows best leaves no room for debate at all........[/p][/quote]Yes, but there is more chance of you being infallible and tactically naive than any manager. It is the value and reasoning of the opinion which lets many fans down. Anyway, who is Hugh? You don't mean Hughie do you? That Hughe? OK got you.Peter300

dannbradfc wrote…

Michael Clayton wrote…

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

The manager makes the call and he will ultimately be held to account. Personally, I wish that McHugh and Oliver could have been given more opportunities but I do not have the experience of twenty years (plus) in the professional game as a successful player and a manager.

Theres no point in offering opnion then is there? even you? If your glib answer is to follow this line of thinking. managers are not infalible. They make mistakes. Sometimes hughe one's. They have favourite players. They can be stubborn. They can be tactically naive. etc etc etc etc Of course they are in their position due to their experience and involvement with the game. This sghould not stop others having an opinion. Its one of the reasons we watch the game. To resort to the answer that the manager always knows best leaves no room for debate at all........

Yes, but there is more chance of you being infallible and tactically naive than any manager. It is the value and reasoning of the opinion which lets many fans down. Anyway, who is Hugh? You don't mean Hughie do you? That Hughe? OK got you.

Score: 0

Peter300
3:17pm Fri 17 Jan 14

Waynus1971 wrote…

How old is McHugh? Will he still be under 23 at the end of his contract? If so, we surely will win-win. All we need to do is offer a new contract on equal or better terms and he will either sign or we get compensation. That's right isn't it?

Personally, I hope he stays and becomes the focal point of our centre-back partnership for years to come. I think he showed last season how good he can be and he will only get better for playing alongside the likes of Bates and/or Davies.

Bates is coming in for some stick on here and elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't pulled up trees (in my opinion) and I wouldn't have been upset had he left the club this week, but he isn't as bad as some are making out. McArdle was fantastic last season, but has largely disappointed this time around, especially since being left on his ar5e twice by the Coventry strikers.

Good luck to the boys tomorrow, whoever gets the nod. I'm hoping for 2 of the 3 recent sigings to start.

Once by Coventry. Matt Bates has performed pretty well really. Currently, City sixth best defensive record in L1. Has James Hanson got the all clear from you now?

[quote][p][bold]Waynus1971[/bold] wrote:
How old is McHugh? Will he still be under 23 at the end of his contract? If so, we surely will win-win. All we need to do is offer a new contract on equal or better terms and he will either sign or we get compensation. That's right isn't it?
Personally, I hope he stays and becomes the focal point of our centre-back partnership for years to come. I think he showed last season how good he can be and he will only get better for playing alongside the likes of Bates and/or Davies.
Bates is coming in for some stick on here and elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't pulled up trees (in my opinion) and I wouldn't have been upset had he left the club this week, but he isn't as bad as some are making out. McArdle was fantastic last season, but has largely disappointed this time around, especially since being left on his ar5e twice by the Coventry strikers.
Good luck to the boys tomorrow, whoever gets the nod. I'm hoping for 2 of the 3 recent sigings to start.[/p][/quote]Once by Coventry. Matt Bates has performed pretty well really. Currently, City sixth best defensive record in L1. Has James Hanson got the all clear from you now?Peter300

Waynus1971 wrote…

How old is McHugh? Will he still be under 23 at the end of his contract? If so, we surely will win-win. All we need to do is offer a new contract on equal or better terms and he will either sign or we get compensation. That's right isn't it?

Personally, I hope he stays and becomes the focal point of our centre-back partnership for years to come. I think he showed last season how good he can be and he will only get better for playing alongside the likes of Bates and/or Davies.

Bates is coming in for some stick on here and elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't pulled up trees (in my opinion) and I wouldn't have been upset had he left the club this week, but he isn't as bad as some are making out. McArdle was fantastic last season, but has largely disappointed this time around, especially since being left on his ar5e twice by the Coventry strikers.

Good luck to the boys tomorrow, whoever gets the nod. I'm hoping for 2 of the 3 recent sigings to start.

Once by Coventry. Matt Bates has performed pretty well really. Currently, City sixth best defensive record in L1. Has James Hanson got the all clear from you now?

How old is McHugh? Will he still be under 23 at the end of his contract? If so, we surely will win-win. All we need to do is offer a new contract on equal or better terms and he will either sign or we get compensation. That's right isn't it?

Personally, I hope he stays and becomes the focal point of our centre-back partnership for years to come. I think he showed last season how good he can be and he will only get better for playing alongside the likes of Bates and/or Davies.

Bates is coming in for some stick on here and elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't pulled up trees (in my opinion) and I wouldn't have been upset had he left the club this week, but he isn't as bad as some are making out. McArdle was fantastic last season, but has largely disappointed this time around, especially since being left on his ar5e twice by the Coventry strikers.

Good luck to the boys tomorrow, whoever gets the nod. I'm hoping for 2 of the 3 recent sigings to start.

Ur rite about the u23 rule but with sitting on the bench his value will b minimal. Someone has stated about goals conceded that is from before bates came into the team I believe we av not kept a clean sheet whilst he has started? Anyway last post on the matter got my opinion across and hope that in ten weeks time I am eating humble pie and I am screaming for bates to have a long term contract and I am calling mr p a genius who ad a brilliant plan. good luck tomorrow lets kick start the season again and ensure we r not at risk of slipping into a relegation dog fight.

[quote][p][bold]Waynus1971[/bold] wrote:
How old is McHugh? Will he still be under 23 at the end of his contract? If so, we surely will win-win. All we need to do is offer a new contract on equal or better terms and he will either sign or we get compensation. That's right isn't it?
Personally, I hope he stays and becomes the focal point of our centre-back partnership for years to come. I think he showed last season how good he can be and he will only get better for playing alongside the likes of Bates and/or Davies.
Bates is coming in for some stick on here and elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't pulled up trees (in my opinion) and I wouldn't have been upset had he left the club this week, but he isn't as bad as some are making out. McArdle was fantastic last season, but has largely disappointed this time around, especially since being left on his ar5e twice by the Coventry strikers.
Good luck to the boys tomorrow, whoever gets the nod. I'm hoping for 2 of the 3 recent sigings to start.[/p][/quote]Ur rite about the u23 rule but with sitting on the bench his value will b minimal. Someone has stated about goals conceded that is from before bates came into the team I believe we av not kept a clean sheet whilst he has started? Anyway last post on the matter got my opinion across and hope that in ten weeks time I am eating humble pie and I am screaming for bates to have a long term contract and I am calling mr p a genius who ad a brilliant plan. good luck tomorrow lets kick start the season again and ensure we r not at risk of slipping into a relegation dog fight.i miss stallard & murray

Waynus1971 wrote…

How old is McHugh? Will he still be under 23 at the end of his contract? If so, we surely will win-win. All we need to do is offer a new contract on equal or better terms and he will either sign or we get compensation. That's right isn't it?

Personally, I hope he stays and becomes the focal point of our centre-back partnership for years to come. I think he showed last season how good he can be and he will only get better for playing alongside the likes of Bates and/or Davies.

Bates is coming in for some stick on here and elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, he hasn't pulled up trees (in my opinion) and I wouldn't have been upset had he left the club this week, but he isn't as bad as some are making out. McArdle was fantastic last season, but has largely disappointed this time around, especially since being left on his ar5e twice by the Coventry strikers.

Good luck to the boys tomorrow, whoever gets the nod. I'm hoping for 2 of the 3 recent sigings to start.

Ur rite about the u23 rule but with sitting on the bench his value will b minimal. Someone has stated about goals conceded that is from before bates came into the team I believe we av not kept a clean sheet whilst he has started? Anyway last post on the matter got my opinion across and hope that in ten weeks time I am eating humble pie and I am screaming for bates to have a long term contract and I am calling mr p a genius who ad a brilliant plan. good luck tomorrow lets kick start the season again and ensure we r not at risk of slipping into a relegation dog fight.

Score: 1

pokertee
8:51pm Fri 17 Jan 14

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

I disagree its mc cardle who keeps making the mistakes. Dont get me wrong hes a good player but a lot of goals we have conceded recently have been mACS fault. i dont rate bates though so i would have put mchugh on but we need davies with him

[quote][p][bold]i miss stallard & murray[/bold] wrote:
I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.[/p][/quote]I disagree its mc cardle who keeps making the mistakes. Dont get me wrong hes a good player but a lot of goals we have conceded recently have been mACS fault. i dont rate bates though so i would have put mchugh on but we need davies with himpokertee

i miss stallard & murray wrote…

I think someone needs some therapy by not playing u at cb wen Davies got injured and keeping bates in the team wen he has not performed, cost goals. I fear that mchugh will walk wen his contract is up due to limited opportunities and we do miss the attacking intent wen he is at left bak because this is not his best position.

I disagree its mc cardle who keeps making the mistakes. Dont get me wrong hes a good player but a lot of goals we have conceded recently have been mACS fault. i dont rate bates though so i would have put mchugh on but we need davies with him

Score: -1

Bradford1903
3:20am Sat 18 Jan 14

I don't think you can praise young Carl high enough. He came into the side last season in the midst of some high pressure games and performed like a seasoned pro.

I've nothing against Bates and think he has done okay for us, but I don't think he is any better than McHugh.

I am just worried that come the end of the season he will leave due to lack of opportunities, and somewhere down the line we will be regretting that it was one that got away.

I don't think you can praise young Carl high enough. He came into the side last season in the midst of some high pressure games and performed like a seasoned pro.
I've nothing against Bates and think he has done okay for us, but I don't think he is any better than McHugh.
I am just worried that come the end of the season he will leave due to lack of opportunities, and somewhere down the line we will be regretting that it was one that got away.Bradford1903

I don't think you can praise young Carl high enough. He came into the side last season in the midst of some high pressure games and performed like a seasoned pro.

I've nothing against Bates and think he has done okay for us, but I don't think he is any better than McHugh.

I am just worried that come the end of the season he will leave due to lack of opportunities, and somewhere down the line we will be regretting that it was one that got away.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here